UFC bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes isn’t 100% sure she will be beat the returning Ronda Rousey at UFC 207, she’s 200% confident.
On Wednesday UFC president Dana White made the blockbuster announcement that Rousey, the biggest star in the sport, would be making her return and get an immediate title shot against current 135lb champion Nunes.
And speaking to TMZ yesterday, the Brazilian-born champion feels super confident heading into their clash on December 30th in what will no doubt become one of the promotion’s biggest selling pay-per-views of the year.
“I’m 100% gonna beat Ronda Rousey — I’m 200%,” Nunes said. “I’m gonna enjoy every single day in this moment of my career. It’s the moment I’ve been waiting for, fighting on the big cards like UFC 200. Like I said, I have to defend this belt. It’s a huge show, a huge event.”
Largely known for her judo throws and arm bar submission victories, Rousey did score a few knockout wins prior to her loss to Holly Holm last November at UFC 193 in Melbourne, Australia. If she chooses to keep the fight standing and strike with Nunes that might be a big mistake as the champion has nine knockouts out of thirteen wins on her record.
“I understand everything Ronda Rousey is gonna bring that day,” Nunes said. “I don’t think she’s gonna be able to deal with my striking. She’s gonna be really surprised when I touch her, when I connect on my punches.”
While top bantamweight contenders Juliana Pena and Valentina Shevchenko are on credible win streaks and have made plenty of noise trying to secure the next title shot, Nunes feels Rousey is deserving of an immediate title shot despite her devastating knockout loss to Holm and the year long lay off.
“I think it’s wrong,” Nunes said, of the criticism aimed at Rousey’s straight title chance. “Because she was always the most dominant athlete. I think she really deserves that. I know how I’m gonna beat Ronda Rousey. I’ve been training for Ronda Rousey since my first fight in the UFC. This fight is gonna change my life, my career. I hope she’s ready. I know she’s a very tough opponent, but I’m the best in the world.”
